Enzyme histochemical, histometric and hematological features of peripheral blood cells in Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (Falconiformes: Accipitridae)

The aim of this study was to determine the enzyme-histochemical, histometric and hematological features of peripheral blood cells in the Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Therefore, blood samples obtained from the wings (brachial vein) of nine Sparrowhawk were used. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, enumeration of leukocyte types, hematocrit (Htc) value and hemoglobin concentration were determined by hemocytometric methods on blood samples. Also, the erythrocyte indices (mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)) were calculated. Histometric analyses were estimated with an image analyzing system. Populations of positive and negative lymphocytes were counted by the alpha naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) staining method. When compared to other bird species, RBC counts were high, WBC counts and percentages of WBC except percentage of eosinophil, and percentage of ANAE-positive lymphocyte were similar, and diameters of RBC and nucleus were smaller. This preliminary study contributes by broadening the hematological research on wild bird species and provides a guideline for identifying blood cells in the Sparrowhawk.